Exposed Aggregate Driveway: Pros and Cons
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Is An Exposed Aggregate Driveway Worth It?
An exposed aggregate driveway is worth it, as you can get unique & stunning looks that enhance the value of your home. An exposed aggregate driveway is safer too, as it is skid resistant, even when wet.
When you want the strength & durability of a concrete driveway but want your driveway to stand out, you can consider an exposed aggregate driveway as an option. So do take the time to learn about an exposed aggregate driveway, especially it’s pros and cons.
A professionally laid exposed aggregate driveway is as strong & durable as a concrete driveway because it is basically a concrete driveway with the additional feature of exposed aggregates.
However, an exposed aggregate concrete driveway is not for everyone. The installation process, for the most part, is the same as that for a standard concrete driveway. It is the process of exposing the aggregates that can be tricky and is best left to professionals.
The professional expertise, equipment and supplies required to expose the aggregates push up the cost of installation. It also takes a bit longer.
What Is an Exposed Aggregate Driveway?
An exposed aggregate driveway is a normal concrete driveway where the top layer of the cement is removed so that the aggregates become visible. The result is unique & beautiful.
The process of exposing aggregates is not as easy as it sounds. The challenge is:
Aggregate Placement
The beauty of an exposed aggregate driveway comes from the size, shape, color and texture of the aggregates. The pattern, that could be random or designed, is also important.
For larger surfaces such as driveways and patios, the aggregates are incorporated in the concrete mix. For smaller surfaces such as steps or edges, the aggregates can be seeded on top of poured concrete and covered with cement slurry.
Controlled Setting
The setting of the freshly poured concrete slab has to be controlled in a manner such that the top layer at a slower rate. This way you can remove the top layer of cement without dislodging the aggregates.
A special “De-Activator” that slows down the concrete setting time is sprayed onto the freshly poured driveway. At the right time, the top cement layer is removed using a pressure washer and low speed buffer machine with a medium stiff brush.
The Pros of an Exposed Aggregate Driveway
The benefits of an exposed aggregate driveway that will entice you into going for it are:
1. Stunning Looks
The visual appeal of an exposed aggregate concrete driveway is its greatest attraction. Aesthetically, an exposed aggregate driveway can be almost as alluring as a stamped concrete driveway.
2. Skid Resistant
An exposed aggregate driveway has high skid resistance because of its texture. Professionals can control the texture profile by using the appropriate “deactivator” grade, water jet intensity of the pressure washer, brush stiffness and the time of cement removal.
Aggregate size and profile also determines how skid resistant the exposed aggregate driveway will be. Smaller, sharper aggregates will have a higher skid resistance than larger, rounder aggregates.
The Cons of an Exposed Aggregate Driveway
Great as an exposed aggregate driveway looks, it does have quite a few cons that you should be aware of.
1. Much Costlier
The high cost of an exposed aggregate driveway may make you think twice. The cost of a standard 6” thick concrete driveway is in the $4 – $8 per square foot range, but an exposed aggregate driveway will set you back by $12 – $15 per square foot.
The higher cost can be attributed to
- Need to hire skilled & experienced professionals
- Longer installation period
- Additional supplies & equipment
2. Not a DIY Project
The level of difficulty of installing an exposed aggregate driveway is quite high. It is not really a DIY project. You must hire professionals to do the job.
3. Aggregates can get Dislodged
High quality workmanship, bonding strength of the concrete used and regular resealing are essential to making an exposed aggregate driveway long lasting. If one or more of these are substandard or absent, the aggregates can get dislodged.
RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
The Best Sealers for Your Concrete Driveway or Patio
A topical sealer is essential for protecting concrete surfaces from water permeation that can damage the concrete from within and compromise its lifespan.
I highly recommend Foundation Armor Concrete Sealers. Pick the one that best meets your aesthetic and application preference.
4. Difficult to Patch Up
An exposed aggregate driveway that has developed cracks or has lost some of the aggregates can be quite hard to patch up. A lot harder than patching up a standard concrete driveway.
Bottom Line
The bottom line is that an exposed aggregate driveway looks fantastic but costs a great deal more too. An exposed aggregate driveway pros and cons are summarized as under:
Thank you very much for reading this post. I do hope you found it informative and helpful.
